Florida, sometimes known as the Sunshine State, is a popular holiday destination. The beaches, theme parks, and parties draw visitors from all over.

Florida is a great destination for people from all over the world. After all, there are options for young children, families, 20-somethings, and seniors.

With so many sites to visit and things to do, it’s little wonder people return year after year. If you’re considering a trip to this gorgeous American state, read this Florida travel advice. What you need to know before visiting Florida.

So, what do you need to know before you visit Florida?

Florida Weather

The state has a subtropical climate, therefore the rainy season lasts from May to October. Even in the summer, one may expect a shower virtually every day. Winters can be frigid and damp. Consider extreme weather conditions like lightning and thunderstorms. The sunshine state is also the nation’s lightning capital. Hurricanes are frequent in Florida, especially from June through November. Check the hurricane forecast before going.

South Florida vs. North Florida

North and South Florida sometimes appear to be two distinct states. Southern Florida has a Latino/Caribbean influence. South Florida also has greater nightlife. North Florida, on the other hand, has a different climate than South Florida. North Florida is also less sensitive to climate change than South Florida, which is subject to both climate change and rising sea levels.

Theme & Water Parks In Florida

Disney World in Orlando is the world’s most famous theme park. It’s huge, with four parks — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are also Universal Studios, Legoland, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens. At Universal Orlando, there’s Volcano Bay, and at SeaWorld Orlando, there’s Aquatica. You should always pre-book your tickets online to avoid queues during peak season. It can also save you money in the long run.

Parks & Resorts

Florida has world-class water parks open all year. They only close during severe weather and extreme cold. So, whatever month you plan to visit, bring your swimsuits. Indoor water parks are open all year.

Florida’s Beaches, Marshes, and Jungles

Florida is more than just Disney World in Orlando. The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean surround it.  Florida has about 4500 islands and a huge coastline with diverse beaches. Consequently, one can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing. Never miss an opportunity to discover Florida’s secret marine gems. Florida has wetlands, jungles, woods, and estuaries. The outdoors attracts visitors looking for iguanas, gators, and snakes. There is more wildlife, and stories of snakes under porches, egrets, and manatees are common.

Florida’s diverse ecosystems make it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In Florida, you can go kayaking in the mangroves or hiking in the Everglades National Park. The diverse vistas of saltwater marshlands, bald-cypress swamps, and virgin pinewoods are attracting more tourists.

Florida Accomondation

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to lodging in Florida. Choose from magnificent resorts and boutique hotels that know how to do luxury well.

Florida also has many rural resorts where you may reconnect with nature. Stay in one of the many duplex cottages located in biodiverse areas and experience nature. Nothing beats staying at one of Florida’s Waterfront Hotels and enjoying breathtaking ocean and gulf views. 

When holidaying in Florida, you must see those waterfront hotels. Why not see what Ocean Florida has to offer?

Florida Food Guide 

Florida’s cuisine is multi-cultural. Florida’s cuisine is influenced by Cuban, Caribbean, early Spanish, and African civilizations.  Fresh seafood and exotic fruit are around. Apalachicola oysters, alligator flesh, and craft beer are some of the most famous and tasty dishes locally. Key lime pie is a classic Florida dessert. Try roadside boiled peanuts.

In February and March, you can get fresh-picked strawberries at a reasonable price. Due to citrus production, numerous restaurants give free samples of orange juice all year.

Sharks, Snakes, And Alligators

In Florida, think twice about swimming in random lakes or rivers. Better yet, only enter the water if a sign indicates it is safe to do so.  Florida features deadly snakes and freshwater alligators. The Miami Herald has an article about what to do if an alligator attacks a human. They are found in marshy waterways at night. It is preferable not to disturb them.  Shark attacks have occurred in Volusia County, Florida. Only swim in lifeguarded areas. Avoid being in water alone or at night.

You may not believe it yet, but summer is just around the corner. Even though most of us are still shivering our way through January, before you know it, there will be a bevvy of sunburned bodies welcoming all of us onto an array of overcrowded European beaches.

That’s if the gods of Covid don’t kill our holiday plans again, but all indications seem to be that we’re going to have a much more agreeable summer than last year…and the one before that.

So even though we have to do the obligatory: remember to check all travel restrictions and guidelines before making confirmed bookings spiel, we’re also saying that if you’re always ready, you won’t have to get ready!

Let’s start.

First, where can’t your lovely, brand new and blue British passport get you?

The most noticeable destination on this list is Australia. All flights from Britain are banned until April, and with the state of Australia’s never-ending lockdown, who knows what will happen then? Our advice if you’re planning on prepaying your travel plans to get the best deals, maybe to skip the land down under for a while, at least until there is some certainty.

Speaking of travel plans…

Right now it’s a buyers market and if your travel agent or airline doesn’t offer automatic rebooking or ‘fee free’ changes – find another one, because there are plenty that does. Try to secure the best deals by booking with a deposit and if you can, a refundable deposit. Most providers are offering refundable deposits at this point, so it pays to double-check.

Near or far?

Destinations that may previously have been out of your reach, are now a lot more affordable. Think about South Africa for example. A long time favourite for British tourists, even their winter (our summer), is still worth exploring and it’s the best time for a safari.

A little closer to home perhaps.

Don’t write off old Blighty just yet, there are many gorgeous coastlines, villages, towns and cities to explore. Far too many Brits have the ‘I can tell you where a great restaurant in Mykonos is, but I’ve never been to Manchester’, syndrome. Not only does our little island offer a wonderful selection of family holidays and city-clicker breaks, but you’ll be giving a much-needed hand to those who need it the most, our beleaguered tourism and hospitality industry.

European adventures.

Look, when it comes to fabulous cities, world-class shopping gorgeous beaches and amazing food, our continental cousins are fairly hard to beat. From luxury villas in Quinta do Lago, to gorgeous vintage hotels in Paris and Venice, summertime on the continent is really quite special. Most of Europe is open to Brits, but some spots like Spain are only open to fully vaccinated Britons.

Check out this article from the Independent for more information about travel restrictions.

Remember that your British pound is still worth something in other parts of the world, so if you’re able to travel to Africa, the Caribbean or the Far East, think about it because you’ll get great value, and be supporting communities that really need it.

As winter begins, our thoughts are traveling towards where we want to go on our next vacation. Your next beach getaway may come in the winter months in order to shake off the winter blues. Whether you are going right away, or if you are going to wait until your time off in the summer, here are a few things you should think about buying to make your next beach getaway one to remember. 

Sunblock

This cannot be said enough. It may seem futile to buy sunblock so early and just keep it laying around, but it’s the one ingredient that is mostly forgotten when people go on vacation. It’s one of the most expensive items that needs to be purchased as well. However, if you buy the sunblock in advance, you won’t have to pay so much money.

When you go to the store during the winter months, sunblock costs a fraction of the cost. You can stock up on it and have it on hand when it’s time for you to go on that vacation you have been waiting so long to take. If you forget to pack the sunblock, you’re going to have to pay for it at the resort, and it’s going to cost you a huge amount of money. 

Beach Towel

The beach towel is a fashion staple for anyone laying by the pool or laying by the ocean. Beach towels show our personality, they show our class and style, and they show how luxurious we can be. If you ever learned about the history of beach towels you would know that fashion icons have taken the beach towel and they have made it a statement. 

Take the time to flip through magazines or go online and see what beach towel speaks to you. Maybe it’s a certain designer, a certain color, or a certain pattern that when you are going to be laying out will make you feel glamorous, happy, and full of joy as you take in the sun and relax your mind. 

Sandals

Sandals are the official shoes of summer and just one pair won’t be enough. As you are strolling around your vacation destination, you are going to need sandals for walking, for hanging by the pool, and going out to that fancy dinner you have been dreaming about for weeks. 

Getting a sandal with a sturdy bottom that won’t chafe your toes or rub up against your feet is optimal for you to do walking tours, visit museums, and see all the sights. For your poolside, beach outings, something fluffy, soft, and comfortable is perfect. Getting material that won’t burn hot in the sun is also a good idea. Dinner sandals should be classy, dark with some glitter, and go with just about any outfit. 

A Killer Bathing Suit

Just like the beach towel, it’s all about the bathing suit. The bathing suit is truly the main fashion statement you can make on your vacation. Start buying them now before the prices skyrocket. First decide what look you are going for: bikini or one piece. Do you want to add a wrap? Do you want to accessorize with a fashionable robe? Once you figure out the answers to these questions you can then get to buying and styling. 

Don’t just buy one bathing suit, get one for every day of your trip. Treat yourself, and make yourself the shining star of the pool. If you have been preparing yourself for bathing suit weather and you are feeling good about your look, show it off with style and confidence. 

A Statement Hat

Keep your face out of the sun or at least prevent your face from burning. Too much sun exposure can cause wrinkles and aging. If you buy a big enough sun hat, you will be able to keep your face safe from sun exposure and still look fashionable. In recent years, fashion has told us that the bigger the hat, the better. 

Going online and searching for beach hats will yield some great results. A big floppy hat is in fashion right now, and they are easy to pack and carry with you because they are so floppy and soft they can fit in just about any bag or suitcase and not get squished or damaged. 

There are plenty of other things that you can throw in your suitcase, but these items are the most essential. Also, if you buy them early, you will save a lot of cash.